Second day of Awir shops auction fetches Dh18m

Seventeen shops meant for wholesale business, each with an average area of 175 sq ft, were auctioned at Dubai Municipality Staff Club.

Eng. Abdul Rahman Al Sharid, Director of General Projects Department, and head of the committee set up to oversee the shifting of the Central Fruit and Vegetable Market from Hamriya to Warsan, said that yesterday's auction in which 79 companies participated, fetched about Dh18 million - the biggest bid being Dh1.43 million and the lowest Dh98,000. "With this, the total number of 'wholesale shops' auctioned has reached 31 and the total amount from two days of auction has reached Dh42.66 million, which shows a tremendous response from traders," Mr Al Sharid said.

Speaking about the auctioning of 'retail shops', which begins today, Mr Al Sharid said: "Twenty-nine retail shops with areas ranging from 400 to 800 sq ft., and the minimum bidding amount of Dh100,000 to Dh150,000 are up for auction. These shops have front and rear entrances and one would be used for loading and unloading." Mr Al Sharid said that traders outside Hamriya Market would also be allowed to participate in today's auction.

"Apart from vegetable and fruit these shops would also include shops for meat, fish and grain. Traders from outside Hamriya Market would be able to participate in the auction in accordance with regulations. Traders taking part in the auction should possess trading licence at least two years old," he added.

Auctions were held on Sunday for 16 corner 'double shops' in four wholesale clusters. Ordinary shops in these clusters were auctioned yesterday. The auctions would be completed tomorrow when 19 chiller rooms will be on offer.